The main research interest in our laboratory is to understand vertebrate patterning and evolution and, in particular, the role of the Hox gene family of transcription factors in these processes. It is known that Hox genes are key players during embryonic development for the patterning processes that establish the body architecture. Since this important patterning function relies upon successive and partially overlapping Hox expression domains, the understanding of the underlying transcriptional regulation of these clustered genes is primordial.

We are particularly interested in studying the relationship between the chromosomal organisation of Hox genes and their regulation, given the tight correlation that exists between the gene order within a Hox cluster and the sequential activation of the genes. Over the past years, we already obtained some insights into several enhancer-sharing mechanisms and we are currently generating and analysing series of mutants carrying rearrangements within the HoxD cluster to assess the mechanisms that control Hox regulation.

Most of our work is based on mouse molecular and classical genetics and the use of tools designed for chromosome engineering to produce the series of mutants required for such studies. Limb development is the predominant model system currently studied in the laboratory but other aspects of vertebrate patterning are also considered, such as anterior-posterior patterning of the trunk. Research projects related to A-P patterning of the trunk include a project in collaboration with J. Deschamps (Utrecht), initiated within the work-package 8 of this Network “Cells into Organs”.